Perceptions of, and Motivations for, Land Trust Conservation in Northern Michigan: An Analysis of Key Informant Interviews

Land trusts are common and expanding mechanisms for conservation, although their impacts have been little-studied. The objective of this paper is to understand the perceptions motivations stakeholders small-scale land trust conservation. We used 33 key informant interviews learn opinions regarding Little Traverse Conservancy (LTC) northern Michigan, USA. were coded relevant themes interpreted alongside a literature review. highest reported motivation stakeholder involvement with LTC was protection nature scenic beauty. Economic social factors also considered motivators; however, not facilitators conservation action stakeholders. Interviews emphasized that relationship partnership formations critical facilitating successful conclude organizations can captivate long-term support participation through consideration local dynamics building upon existing community relationships.